Golf club and implement handle



June 1938- E. J. SWEETLAND GOLF CLUB AND IMPLEMENT HANDLE Filed June 4, 1934 u. N n "1 I N VEN TOR.

Patented June 21, 1938 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

This invention relates to a handle or grip and particularly to a grip for use on the shafts of golf clubs. It is well known to golf players that the ordinary handle or grip supplied on golf clubs leaves much to be desired, not only because the hands frequently slip on the round smooth surface but because of the difficulty which golf players experience in gripping the club in exactly the same manner from day to day.

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club handle which is capable of receiving a definite impression of the user's hands so that he may not only secure a tighter grip upon the handle but may always return his hands to exactly the same position. With the use of my invention the impression of the hands may be conveniently impressed into the handle of the golf club under the supervision of a professional, and when the users individual grip has been impressed he can always duplicate the proper hold on the club with a resultant improvement in his ability to play.

A further object is to provide a golf club handle capable of receiving and retaining the impression of the players hands but which can readily be changed to modify the players hold on the club at any future time, or the grip may be readily changed to suit another player.

Another object of my invention is to provide a 3:) golf club handle with an outer covering of leather or other suitable material under which is provided a body of material which may be plasticized at will to receive the impression of the players hand and which will retain such impression in- 33 definitely unless it is desired to make a further change.

A further object is to provide means integral with the golf club of causing the material within the handle to become plastic when desired.

40 To carry out the purposes of my invention I employ the means set forth in the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 represents a golf club handle into which the impression of the user's hands has been 43 made.

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the handle shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end elevation of Figure 2.

Figure 4 represents a heating unit which may 50 be employed for plasticizing the material in the handle shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 represents a heating element or oven which may be used for plasticizing the material within a golf club handle.

55 Figure 6 is a sectional elevation of a golf club handle containing a heating element permanently built into the handle.

Figure 7 is an end elevation of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a modified form of my invention wherein a heating element is built into the in- 5 terior of the golf club handle.

Figure 9 is an end elevation of Figure 8.

Referring to the drawing in detail and particularly to Figure 1, the numeral I indicates the outer covering of the club handle which I 10 prefer to make of leather but which may be made of fabric, rubber, or any suitable covering material. The numerals 2 and 2a indicate the imprints of the thumbs of the players hands while 3 and 3a indicate the impressions formed 5 by the fingers. Many other irregularities are naturally formed when the grip is impressed into the plastic handle but the ones shown in the drawing are sufiicient to illustrate the principles of my invention which will be more clearly un- 20 derstood by the following description.

In Figure 1 the numeral 4 indicates a portion of the shaft and 5 indicates the head of the club.

Referring to Figure 2 which is a sectional 25 view of the handle shown in Figure 1, I is the leather covering and I prefer to treat the inner surface of the leather with rubber solution or suitable lacquer either before or after it is made up into the tubular handle. The object of this is to prevent penetration of wax or similar material as will be understood by the following description. The numeral 6 designates a layer of material which is capable of being plasticized when the imprint of the players hands is made, after which the material solidifies and retains such impressions as were made in it while it was in plastic condition. For purposes of the present invention I prefer to use a thermoplastic material, that is, a material which becomes plastic when heated. The term thermoplastic is herein used in its broadest sense and embraces any material capable of being molded or formed into a particular shape while warmed even though the material may become liquid when heated to a higher temperature. The simplest example of a material which fulfills these requirements is ordinary bees wax but I may use any kind of wax, pitch, resin, gum, asphalt, Vinylite, or any suitable synthetic resin, or similar material, or mixture of these materials in carrying out the purposes of my invention. When it is desired to use a mixture having a higher melting point than ordinary bees wax, I have found that a mixture of 50% bees wax and 50% Montan wax produces very satisfactory results. It is within the province of my invention to mix a granular or powdered substance with any of the materials above enumerated and for this purpose I may use such materials as saw dust, wood pulp, wood flour, cotton linters, felt, fiber, ground rubber, kieselguhr, whiting or the like. In any event the material occupying the space 6 is preferably of a character that is not too brittle at ordinary temperatures but which becomes plastic when warmed, and may become liquid if heated excessively.

While my invention is herein described with special reference to thermoplastic materials I do not confine my invention to such materials, and I may use materials that are plasticized by other means, as by the use of a solvent. An example of this type of materials is so-called plastic wood, which may be made of a mixture of nitro-cellulose or cellulose acetate and ace tone with wood pulp or wood flour. This material becomes hard when the acetone evaporates and may be again plasticized by treatment with acetone or other solvent.

The covering of leather is secured in place by tying at the lower end to the shaft as designated by numeral 1, 8 being an annular bushing or plug of any suitable material. The covering is tied at 9 to the annular plug II which may be made of wood or fiber. This plug affords means of positioning the end of the shaft 4 with relation to the leather cover. Surrounding the shaft 4 is a layer of material which I employ to enable the wax or similar material to secure a better grip on the shaft. In this figure I have illustrated a covering of pasteboard l2 which is. filled with perforations I3 as indicated, and is tightly cemented to the shaft which in the present application is illustrated as being made of metal, although it is obvious that the principles herein described would also be applicable to wooden shafts. Any suitable cement may be employed to unite the covering l2 on the shaft but I have found that sodium silicate forms a satisfactory bond between the pasteboard and the shaft and is unaffected by heat. The object of the perforations is to improve the bond between the material 6 and the shaft so that the handle will not become loosened. I do not confine myself to the use of pasteboard for this purpose and I may use a layer of any kind of fabric; or, I may use ordinary electric wiring tape; or, I may wind the shaft with a layer of thread which may be secured to the shaft by any cementing material; or, I may substitute a layer of thin metal which has been perforated or otherwise roughened and this may be spot welded to the shaft; or, the shaft itself may be sufiiciently burred or roughened so that the wax composition will grip it securely.

The screw Ha forms a plug for an opening in the end of the handle. The material 6, when melted, may be introduced through the end of the handle by removal of this plug; or, if it is desired to reduce the dimensions of the handle the material 6 may be heated and a portion of it forced out by removing plug Ila.

The end elevation Figure 3 shows the annular plug II surrounded by the leather or other covering material I secured by the Winding 9 and shows the open end of the shaft 4.

Figure 4 shows an elevation of one type of heating element which may be used for plasticizing the filling material 6 by being inserted in the shaft 4. This element consists of a round casing I5 made of metal and which is small enough to be inserted into the shaft 4. Inside of the metal casing I5 is an electric heating element which is supplied with current through the wires I6. Heating elements of this general design are in common use and detailed description is therefore unnecessary. The fixture ll contains the necessary means for connecting the cable !8 with the heating element which is preferably designed to utilize current from an ordinary electric lighting system though the medium of a suitable fixture attached to the cable I8 (not shown).

Figure 5 diagrammatically illustrates an electric oven which may be used for plasticizing instead of the element illustrated in Figure 4. In this case a tubular casing I9 made of asbestos or porcelain is wrapped with a coil of resistance wire 2| which is heated by suitable electrical connection to the terminals 22. When this device is used the implement handle is inserted as shown and a moderate heat is applied until the thermoplastic material 6 underneath the cover I is plasticized.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a golf club handle wherein a heating element is permanently built into the handle. In this instance the shaft 4 is surrounded with a layer of asbestos paper 23 which is cemented to the shaft by means of sodium silicate cement. A helical coil of resistance wire 24 surrounds the layer of asbestos paper and the ends of the coil terminate at the prongs 25 and 26 which are concealed and protected by the metal cap 21. The return wire 30 is provided with insulation throughout its length as shown at 30a. The space between the leather covering l and the asbestos covering 23 is filled with thermoplastic material 611. The prongs as well as the end of the shaft are secured to the plug 28 which is made of insulating material. 28a and 2817 are windings for securing the cover I in place.

Figure 7 shows the end elevation of the metal cap 21 which is provided with screw driver slot 29.

In making a handle such as is shown in Fig. 6 I may taper the asbestos covering to conform to the taper of the leather cover if desired, and I may graduate the spacing of the heating coil when necessary, to provide increased heating area where the body of thermoplastic material is thickest.

In the modification shown in Figure 8 a heating element 3| is permanently built into the shaft. This element consists of a thin metal casing provided with a resistance coil or carbon resistance material and is provided with the terminals 32 and 33. This heating element like the one shown in Figure 4 does not require detailed description as any standard form of electric heating element in rod form may be used. The shaft 4 in this case is covered with a layer of perforated pasteboard or other material 34 which is cemented to the shaft as was described in connection with Figure 2. A filling of thermoplastic material 6b occupies the space between the covering 34 and the outer covering I and the terminal prongs 32 and 33 are protected by the cap 35 which is provided with the screw driver slot 36. In this as in the other models the leather or other outer covering is secured by the winding shown at 31 and 38 so that the thermoplastic material cannot escape from the handle.

The method of using my golf club is as follows: Assuming that the construction illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is employed, the finished golf club is preferably shipped from the factory with a smooth round tapering handle which in outward appearance would be substantially the same as an ordinary golf club. When the purchaser has selected the club he wishes to buy, the handle of the club is heated to the necessary temperature to plasticize the filling material 6. This is accomplished either by inserting the heating element I5, or by placing the club handle inside the oven illustrated in Figure 5. The feeling of the handle indicates when the desired state of plasticity is reached, and then the purchaser carefully takes hold of the handle with the grip he considers best suited to his requirements, being directed by a teacher or professional if he desires, and firmly impresses the shape of his hands into the handle. The plastic material yields and the leather or other material I being flexible conforms to the shape of his grip. The handle is then allowed to cool. This being accomplished the handle assumes somewhat the appearance illustrated in Figure 1 although the conformation will vary greatly with different individuals. From then on the club is used in the usual manner.

If the modifications shown in Figures 6 to 9 inclusive are used the procedure is the same except that the plastic material is heated by connecting with an electric cable which is provided with suitable fixtures to make connections to the prongs Z5 and 2%, or the prongs 32 and 33 as the case may be. When the necessary plasticity has been obtained the electrical fixture is disconnected and the cap 21 or 35 is replaced and the impression is made as above described.

In the event plastic wood is used in a handle such as shown in Figure 2 a stick of the plastic wood of annular cross section may be inserted under the cover I by removal of the plug I I. The impression is then made and the solvent allowed to evaporate. Evaporation may be aided by the use of an oven as shown in Figure 5 if desired. If it is desired to replasticize the material this may be done by submerging the whole handle in acetone or by introducing acetone or similar solvent by removing screw IIa or by introducing it through perforations that may be provided in the shaft 4.

By the means herein described a club handle is conveniently made to fit exactly the requirements of the individual user. Not only are the imprints of the fingers and thumbs impressed in the handle, but the handle, by the natural pressure of the hands departs more or less from circular to oval or elliptical form at various points along its length so that the contour exactly conforms to the eminences and depressions of the hand; therefore slipping or turning of the club in the hands during the golf stroke is entirely prevented.

While the oven illustrated in Figure 5 may be used successfully, I prefer the other forms wherein the heat is applied to the inside of the handle; this is because the effect is obtained more rapidly and there is less danger of injuring the outer cover I. Furthermore, by applying the heat internally the users hands are not subjected to an uncomfortable temperature. I find the most satisfactory results are obtained by kneading the handle with the hands during the heating operation, thus the portion of the material in direct contact with the heated surfaces is constantly changed and the whole body is rendered uniformly pliable or plastic and the user can readily tell when the desired condition for making the impression has been reached. which I have found to require two to five minutes under usual condi tions.

While I prefer to use as a filling for the handle a material which becomes plastic before it liquefies when heated it is possible to indent the necessary impressions even while the filler is in liquid condition. This is possible especially when a fairly heavy grade of leather or fabric is used as a cover, for such materials, carefully handled, tend to remain in the position in which they are placed, particularly when the cover is loose and not too tightly filled.

Obviously a grease gun or similar device may be used for injecting a plastic material into the handle by removal of the screw Ila if desired.

Throughout this application the term plasticize intended to mean, to render plastic; and plasticizable is intended to mean, capable of being rendered plastic.

Where the term sheet material is used it is intended to mean any material obtainable in sheet form, such as leather, rubber, woven fabrics and the like.

If desired a thin layer of material such as sheet rubber or rubberized fabric or other suitable material may be employed underneath the covering I this may be either separate from or cemented to the cover.

While I have described my invention with particular reference to golf club handles as a typical and particularly useful application of said invention, it is obviously of use for other purposes and I limit myself only by the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A golf club handle comprising a shaft, an end piece for receiving the end of said shaft, an envelope of covering material having its inner end secured to said shaft and its outer end secured to said end piece, a filling of plasticizable material between said shaft and said envelope, an aperture in said end piece through which said plasticizable material may be placed in or removed from the space between said shaft and said envelope.

2. A golf club shaft having a hand grip portion including a flexible casing to provide a wearing surface for said grip portion; spacing means to maintain a substantially annular chamber between said shaft and said casing; a body of plasticizable matter to fill said annular chamber, said body of matter being capable, when heated, of flowing within the confines of said casing; means to secure and seal said casing to said grip portion adjacent the ends thereof to prevent escape of said plasticizable matter; said casing being substantially fluid-tight with respect to said body of matter.

3. A golf club shaft having a hand grip portion; an insulating body surrounding said portion; an electrical resistance element disposed about said insulating body; thermo-plastic material surrounding said resistance element; a flexible cover enveloping and confining the thermo-plastic material; and said resistance element having terminal means extending free of said thermoplastic material for connection with a source of electric energy.

4. A golf club shaft having a. hand grip portion; a body of thermo-plastic material about the same; a casing about said material substantially impervious to said material in a fluid state; and spacing means connecting and sealing the casing to the hand grip portion so that the casing confines and restrains said thermo-plastic material.

5. An implement handle having a hand grip portion; a flexible casing; a body of plasticizable matter Within said casing; means adjacent opposite ends of said flexible casing for securing said casing to the hand grip portion and ensealing said plasticizable matter therein.

6. An implement handle having a hand grip portion; a rigid shaft member forming a core within said hand grip portion; a. body of plasticizable material surrounding said core member; a flexible casing completely enclosing said plasticizable material; means to secure said casing to said core member with a sealed joint to restrain said plasticizable material within the confines of said casing.

'7. An implement handle having a hand grip portion; a flexible casing; a body of thermoplastic matter within said casing; means to secure opposite ends of said flexible casing to said hand grip portion to enseal said thermo-plastic matter therein; an electrical resistance element Within said hand grip portion and enclosed by said flexible casing; said resistance element having terminal means extending free of said thermoplastic matter for connection with a source of electric energy.

8. A golf club handle comprising a shaft; an end piece for receiving the end of said shaft; a body of plasticizable matter surrounding said shaft; a cover to form a wearing surface around said body of plasticizable matter which comprises an envelope of flexible material having its outer end secured to said end piece and the inner end secured to said shaft.

9. An implement handle comprising a. central substantially rigid member; a body of thermoplastic material forming a grip portion surrounding said rigid member; an electrical heating element supported by said rigid member and enclosed by said body of thermoplastic material to form a permanent part of said handle; and terminal means extending from said heating element clear of said thermoplastic material for connection with a source of electrical energy.

ERNEST J. SWEETLAND. 

